Monday, 27 May 2013

Vintage style!

Recently my old laundry basket looked a bit worse for wear. I was debating whether or not to treat myself to a new one, but then I thought, why not have a go at refurbishing it myself.

I measured the existing fabric, and used some lovely upholstery fabric in pale blue with roses on it to replace the boring cream colour.

I used french seams (as I had watched the 'Great British Sewing Bee' on television & apparently they make stronger seams), and eventually got it to fit correctly.

I then lightly sanded the frame, and painted it a very pale pink. (I was lucky enough to have a tin of Dulux colour matched paint given to me by my sister. She felt it was too strong a colour for what she wanted).

I was surprised how nice it looked.

Anyway, thought you might like to have a look. As usual it is not perfect, & I would do things differently next time, but it is all trial & error!

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My refurbished laundry basket!

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So then I thought, what next? I know, a peg bag! (I think my American friends call them clothes pins).

Again, I measured my existing bag & cut out some calico for the front as I had decided to embroider it, and a lovely spotty material for the rest of the bag.

I drew on the clothes line & flowers, then found some 1950's transfer lettering I had been keeping in my craft room for ages, for the word 'pegs'.

I embroidered it with three strands of stranded embroidery thread using a variety of stitches.

My daughter Beckie decided to help, and satin stitched most of the lettering, (her first attempt at embroidery).Then I just sewed it together, inserted a coat hanger and hey presto! A lovely vintage inspired peg bag. What do you think?

Oh, and Beckie also added the little bee..........!

My new peg bag.

Well, at least I have brightened up washing days!Thanks for looking! I will be back soon, showing you the latest quilt I am working on. I really should get it finished.............................!